Title: My Life And Work
Author: Henry Ford
First published January 1, 1922
140 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781420928198 (ISBN10: 1420928198)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Discover the captivating story of one of America’s most iconic entrepreneurs and businessmen in the autobiography, “My Life and Work” by Henry Ford. Co-written with Samuel Crowther, this book chronicles the rise of the Ford Motor Company and its impact on early 20th century American industrialism.
With a focus on innovation and a determination to succeed, Henry Ford’s contributions to business and the American economy are immeasurable. This classic American biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American entrepreneurship.
About the Author
Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, is widely recognized as one of the most influential American industrialists in history. While he didn’t invent the automobile or assembly line, he developed and manufactured the first affordable automobile to be accessible to middle-class Americans.
This revolutionized transportation and American industry, and his introduction of the Model T automobile had a profound impact on the twentieth century.
Ford’s commitment to lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout most of North America and in major cities on six continents. He is credited with “Fordism,” which is the mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers.
Ford was a pacifist during the early years of World War I, but he was also known for publishing anti-Semitic texts such as the book The International Jew.
Although he began his career as a watch repairman, Ford’s true passion was not in farm work, which his father expected him to take over. His mother’s death devastated him, and he later wrote that it was his mother on the farm he loved, not the farm itself.
Ford’s legacy continues to be felt today, with his family controlling the company permanently and his vast wealth going to the Ford Foundation. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to society and industry, including being included in Gallup’s List of Widely Admired People of the 20th Century and being awarded the Franklin Institute’s Elliott Cresson Medal.
However, his association with Nazi Germany’s Grand Cross of the German Eagle and his publication of anti-Semitic texts cannot be ignored or excused.
Editoral Review
My Life And Work by Henry Ford is a remarkable biography that provides an intimate look into the life of one of the greatest industrialists of our time. Published in 1922, the book chronicles Ford’s incredible rise to fame, from his humble beginnings as a farmer’s son to becoming the founder of Ford Motor Company – a company that changed the way the world travels.
As an autobiography, My Life And Work is written in a straightforward and matter-of-fact manner that is characteristic of Ford’s personality. However, the book does not focus solely on Ford’s personal story, but also delves into his philosophy about work and life, as well as his company’s management strategy.
Ford’s approach in creating a successful business is centered on efficiency and productivity. His approach is driven by his belief in mass production and providing the highest quality products for his customers at the lowest possible cost.
His famous adage “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black” exemplifies this business principle. The book also provides a deep look into Ford’s personality and work ethic.
He believed in the importance of hard work, perseverance, and innovation in order to achieve success. He saw his work as a calling and viewed his employees as integral to his success, often referring to them as “teammates.”
Despite its age, My Life And Work still serves as a valuable guidebook for today’s entrepreneurs and business leaders.
It provides valuable insights into the inner workings of a successful company and the importance of efficient management. However, the book’s language and style may feel outdated to a modern reader, and some of its contents may seem unrelatable to contemporary audiences.
That being said, it is still a worthy read, and its belief in human potential and the importance of hard work are universal themes that still resonate today. Overall, My Life And Work is a fascinating read, and a must-read for anyone who is interested in entrepreneurship or business management.
It is a testament to Henry Ford’s legacy, and his impact on the world. I rate this book 4.5 out of 5, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration, motivation, and practical advice on how to succeed in life and business.
